Crag Dogs

Everyone loves a Crag Dog, or do they?

The truth about our favorite four-legged friends is not always what we wish. Sure, 90% of people love dogs and are generally happier when they are around. The problem is that sometimes a climbing crag is not the best place for Fido.

Dog owners can often have blinders when it comes to their crag dog’s behavior. This is a problem that affects everyone else at the crag. Most people are way too nice to say anything, even when directly asked.

Before you think this is going to be all negative press towards man’s (or women’s) best friend here are a few benefits of having a dog:

• You will be more inclined to exercise
• You will have reduced stress
• You will be generally healthier
• You will have increased social interactions

A more complete list can be found here.

There is no doubt that there are many benefits for owning a dog, but this is not an article about dog ownership, it’s about how to properly bring that dog climbing with you (or not).

Here are a few situations that a crag dog can often be a nuisance at a trafficked climbing area:

• Fido decides to use the restroom on the trail or at the base of a climb.
• You think Fido is smart enough not to jump on every bystander and then “Down! Get Down! I’m Sorry..”
• Leashes are only for dogs whose owners don’t have them under control.
• Fido won’t always get along with the other dogs at the crag.
• The crag is not a sandbox, although Fido doesn’t know the difference.
• People are different, some are allergic or just generally annoyed by dogs.

All these situations are not uncommon to run into during a busy weekend at a crag. We will go over these in more detail next.

Do keep in mind that all these are considering dogs are actually allowed in the climbing area you are going to. Generally, any public lands controlled by the National Parks Service (NPS) will not allow dogs on the property. This can also be said for many privately held lands as well.

Make sure you do your research before you show up to a crag with Fido only to see a No Dog sign posted at the trailhead.

Crag Dogs – When Nature Calls

Sh*t I stepped in dog sh*t!

Nothing is more annoying than getting dog crap on your new pair of approach shoes. Unfortunately, dogs don’t have the social awareness of where a proper place to use the restroom.

Many owners are very good and pack out there dogs waste, but it only takes one time to ruin someone’s day.

Even the good owners can sometimes miss it. If you are 50 ft off the deck on your proj, do you really expect to notice when your dog drops a deuce on the other end of the wall?

Sure, dog waste will only last a few days in a forest or wooded environment, but it’s still not cool. On the other hand, if you are climbing in a desert environment, crag dog waste may stick around for a whole season.

Make sure to plan ahead and always have someone looking out for your dog while you are at a crag. Dog waste is not only gross but it could get a climbing area closed to dogs or even entirely closed. Respect of the land starts with keeping your doges under wraps.

Always bring plenty of bags and if you see another dogs waste, pick it up. Sure it’s not your problem, but you will be making a difference.

So it’s pretty simple, make sure to clean up after your pup. If you do think you can, leave them at home!

Crag Dogs – Leashes

Sure, Fido doesn’t need a leash……………… SQUIRREL!

All kidding aside, having your dog on a leash is not only polite etiquette it’s often a law.

Not everyone likes it when your dog jumps all over them and licks their faces. It can be very annoying and is generally frowned upon.

If you don’t agree just wait until a dog splits open your new puffy jacket with this claws or teeth. Not cool!

Although having a dog jump on you it can often be ignored by other climbers.

What is absolutely unacceptable is when two or more dogs start to get into a fight. It doesn’t matter if your dog is the nicest and most mellow dog around, that doesn’t mean you can let them play with other dogs at the crag. They may not get along with other dogs at all.

It can often be the other dog that is starting the problem, but YOU are just as responsible for keeping your dog under control as the other owners.

Another peeve many non-dog owners have is when dogs walk all over their gear or crash pads. Dogs don’t have the spacial awareness not to lay on crashpads or kick dirt all over a rope. If you think your dog does you are probably mistaken.

Sure you can yell at your dog over and over again to stop doing something, but that’s really not good either. It’s actually really not cool…

Be aware of what your dog is doing and try not to have blinders on while you’re at the crag. If you have to tell your dog to do something twice, you probably don’t have acceptable control for the crag.

Please, for the sake of all of us, put your dog on a leash at all times while climbing!

Crag Dogs – Respect the Land

Dogs have characteristics given to them by their Wolfen ancestors (yes dogs are all wolfs that have been selectively bred based on genetic traits). These traits can cause dogs to do dog things like run around, dig, chew, chase, and mark.

At a dog park all these traits are perfectly fine, but at a climbing area, this can be very bad for the environment. A dog that digs a hole or pulls out a bush from a high traffic area can cause erosion and unaesthetic scenery.

Again being an owner can cause you to use your blinders when your pup is doing one of these things but they are totally unacceptable.

For some reason, many people don’t feel this way. Let’s, for example, say a climber was at a crag and brought their shovel and started digging a hole for no reason. Would this fly?

What if the same climber pulled out some bushes and small trees keeping the soil in tack and then decided to pee on the wall at the base of a climb…?

Be smart and use common sense when watching your crag dog’s behavior. These lands we climb on are precious and Fido doesn’t understand that like most humans should.

Final Words

We don’t hate dogs. We just understand that they can cause problems at the crag if not taken care of properly.

If you have the ability to leave your dog at home, please do so. It will help everyone out.

If you can’t leave your dog at home, try your best to be a good owner.

Your priority, while you are out, is not climbing, it’s keeping your dog under control. Remember that.